a higher affinity for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a higher affinity for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing preferences, attractions, or chemical interactions, often in scientific or technical writing. Example: "The study revealed that the new compound has a higher affinity for the target receptor compared to the existing drug."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Molecular docking revealed that compound 1c featured a higher affinity for succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) than fenfuram.

Bioorganic Chemistry

We report that β-secretase has a higher affinity for Neuregulin than it does for APP.

Cell Reports

Our observations suggest that the additional N-terminal residues (S287-F290) are contributing to a higher affinity for unmodified and mono-methylated H3K4 peptides.

Nature

We find the macrocycles have a higher affinity for PPi than for ATP or pyrocatechol violet (PV).

International Journal of Mass Spectrometry

This androgen is more active than T, since it has a higher affinity for the androgen receptor (AR).

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

Peroxidase has a higher affinity for H2O2 than CAT.

Botanical Studies

Sulphur atoms exhibited a higher affinity for Pt.

International Journal of Industrial Chemistry

Staphylococcus aureus and candida have a higher affinity for polyvinylchloride catheters than for Teflon catheters.

Insights into Imaging

Thus, the acidic surface of W-ZnO has a higher affinity for reactive species.

Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry

In contrast, Zn had a higher affinity for the metal oxide surface and reduced Ni sorption.

Geochemical Transactions

Due to these features, diseased epithelium has a higher affinity for foreign objects than normal epithelia.

Cancer Nanotechnology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a higher affinity for" in scientific writing, ensure that you quantify the difference in affinity where possible, providing specific binding constants or relative values to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid stating that a substance has "a higher affinity for" another without providing context or data. Specify what it has a higher affinity for compared to what other substance, and ideally provide quantitative measures to support the claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a higher affinity for" functions as a comparative adjective phrase modifying a noun (often implied). It indicates that one entity has a greater propensity to bind with or be attracted to another, relative to a third entity or standard. Ludwig examples show this clearly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

99%

News & Media

0.5%

Formal & Business

0.5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a higher affinity for" is a phrase used to express a stronger preference or binding capacity between two entities, primarily in scientific and technical contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and highly prevalent in scientific literature. It's crucial to quantify the difference in affinity when using this phrase to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives include "greater preference for" and "enhanced binding to", but the best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. The phrase maintains a formal register and functions to compare the attractive or binding properties between entities, with a strong emphasis on scientific accuracy. This is highlighted by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greater preference for

Emphasizes a stronger liking or preference.

marked preference for

Stresses a noticeable and distinct liking.

stronger attraction to

Highlights a more compelling draw or attraction.

elevated attraction toward

Highlights an increased pull or attraction.

increased propensity towards

Suggests a heightened natural inclination or tendency.

enhanced binding to

Focuses on a stronger physical or chemical bond.

greater avidity for

Highlights a stronger overall binding strength or eagerness.

heightened selectivity for

Emphasizes a greater degree of specificity in attraction or binding.

superior inclination for

Indicates a more favorable leaning or tendency.

improved receptivity to

Suggests a better ability or willingness to receive or respond to something.

FAQs

How can I use "a higher affinity for" in a sentence?

Use "a higher affinity for" to compare the binding strength or preference of one substance or entity over another. For instance, "Enzyme A has "a higher affinity for" substrate X than substrate Y".

What are some alternatives to "a higher affinity for"?

You can use alternatives like "greater preference for", "stronger attraction to", or "enhanced binding to" depending on the specific context. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the relationship.

Is it better to say "a greater affinity for" or "a higher affinity for"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. "Greater affinity" might be preferred in some contexts for stylistic variation, but ""a higher affinity for"" is also widely accepted.

What does it mean when something has "a higher affinity for" something else?

It means that it binds more strongly or prefers to interact with that particular substance or entity compared to other options. This is commonly used in chemistry, biology, and related fields.